Understanding Mental Disorders

What is a mental disorder? A mental disorder is an illness that affects a person’s thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Someone with a mental disorder may not feel good about themselves or may have a difficult time develop intimate relationships. They may have difficulty dealing with everyday activities

What are symptoms of a mental disorder? A change that a person notices in his or her body or mind that is caused by a disease or disorder.

List some common symptoms one might experience if dealing with a mental disorder: Too much or too little sleep Feeling of extreme sadness Unexplained mood changes Drug or alcohol abuse Inability to concentrate Extreme anxiety or irrational fear Personality changes False perceptions of reality

being sad and depression? What is the difference between being sad and depression? Everyone feels sad or down at times, however if it keeps you from carrying out everyday activities it is considered depression.

List some of the symptoms of depression: Lack of energy Withdraw from people Loss of appetite or overeating Too much or too little sleep Feeling of helplessness or hopelessness

What are some things you can do if experiencing depression? Face the problem Identify the problem Take action

The most commonly diagnosed childhood disorder is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) What are some of the behaviors that go along with being ADHD? Inattentive or impulsively hyperactive to the point of having trouble accomplishing daily activities. They may have trouble doing school work, difficult in following directions and may be easily distracted.

What are Anxiety Disorders? If anxiety gets in the way of taking part in daily activities, or it occurs frequently, or if it causes terror then it may be a disorder.

Panic Disorder Describe the following Anxiety Disorders: The person may feel extreme fear for his or her life even though there is not any danger.

excessive or persistent fear of something that may or Phobias excessive or persistent fear of something that may or may not cause real danger.

Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder Disorder triggered by uncomfortable thoughts called obsessions and by repetitive behaviors called compulsions.

What causes Mental Disorders? Many believe the some mental disorders such as phobias develop from traumatic or stressful situations such as a death, an accident or an abusive event. Other disorders can be inherited and yet other disorders can result from an injury or a physical disorder that effects the brain .

Can Mental Disorders be cured? Many disorders are treatable and some can be cured with the help of psychotherapy, group therapy or even medication.

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Mental Disorders Header – dark yellow 24 points Arial Bold Body text – white 20 points Arial Bold, dark yellow highlights Bullets – dark yellow Copyright – white 12 points Arial Size: Height: 7.52" Width: 10.02" Scale: 70% Position on slide: Horizontal - 0" Vertical - 0"